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Here, the investigation is spotlighted on the aluminium alloy from the waste materials of the automobile bumpers which is a reinforced metal matrix composite created with 5 percentage of nickel and 5 percentage of magnesium oxide through the stir casting method. The stir casting process inputs parameters such as pressure of squeezing, time of squeezing, and speed of stirrer which were optimized based on the two mechanical properties’ outcome such as the tensile strength (TS) and Rockwell hardness. There are nine different experiments which were conducted based on the L9 array. The Taguchi method is used to identify the optimum input values for the greatest result of the processing condition by Minitab software. The responses-based parameters were ordered based on the rank identified through the investigational effects. Finally, the optimized input consideration values and the linear equations are recommended for both the considered outputs as conclusions.

On the total earth wastes, nearly one-third was packaging wastes. Most of the packaging materials are non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. To overcome these issues, researchers turned their attention to develop biodegradable films(bio-films). In this article, through the solution casting method bio-films were developed by using water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and various proportions (5–25wt%) of rice hull powder as reinforcement filler. The effect of RHP on the PVA matrix was investigated by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimeter, tensile test, surface morphology studies, water vapor permeability, and antibacterial testing. FTIR result revealed the proper bonding between PVA/RHP in bio-films via strong hydrogen bonds. XRD result reveals a slight increase in the intensity of bio-films and the crystalline size was reported between 5.53 and 13.28 nm. The infusion of RHP in the matrix shows that tensile strength and tensile modulus increases gradually and reaches the maximum value of 23.32 MPa and 684 MPa respectively at 25% of RHP in PVA. Thermal behavior proved that the bio-films were strong enough to withstand the temperature up to 350 °C. The lower values of WVP possess a higher interaction of polymer chains. The bio-film samples form a good inhibition zone against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and display remarkable antibacterial activity. From the microstructure images, it is visible that bio-films were homogenous, away from cracks and phase separation. By this evidence, RHP added PVA can be used as a packaging material.

Totally six composite bio-films were produced through a simple solution casting technique by varying the weight percentage (0, 5, 10,15, 20, 25 wt.%%) of the filler material (ground nutshell (GNS) ...

With an intention to replace the synthetic non-biodegradable films in packaging applications, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blended with green banana peel filler (GBPF), the biodegradable films were prepared by solution casting method with varying the concentrations of GBPF (5–25 wt%) in PVA matrix. The bio films were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis, transmissibility, FESEM, tensile test, film solubility and water absorption, water vapour transmission (WVT), soil burial test. Based on results obtained, the changes evidenced in the FTIR spectrum of this PVA/GBPF biofilms suggest that strong hydrogen bonding is taking place due to interfacial exchanges of GBPF in PVA matrix. The XRD results showed that crystallinity of bio films are greater than PVA. Thermo gravimetric analyses predicted that PVA/GBPF bio films are thermally stable up to 300 °C. The light is 45% for transmittance in the visible light region for the PVA/GBPF (25 wt%) bio film. The FESEM micrographs of biofilms palpable that formation of good physical interaction and compatibility between polymer matrix and GBPF up to 20 wt% of GBPF in PVA Matrix. FESEM results also confirmed that higher loading of GBPF (25 wt%) in PVA matrix, observed voids and agglomerations in film surface. The PVA/GBPF bio films with 20% of GBPF gave the highest tensile strength and young’s modulus 44.5 MPa and 66.7 GPA respectively compared to other samples. The elongation at break decreases with increases the GBPF in PVA Matrix up to 20 wt%.The slight decrease in mechanical properties perceived due to higher loading of GBPF (25 wt%) with PVA matrix. The solubility, water absorption and WVT of the PVA/GBPF bio films increased upon increasing the GBPF content. The biodegradation test results discovered that he highest weight loss at 42.3% (25 wt% of GBPF) probably due to the hydrophilic nature of GBPF in PVA matrix. On the whole, the present investigation confirmed that the PVA/GBPF bio films potential for possible utilization in active packaging applications attributable to its better mechanical, thermal, optical, water absorption and biodegradation properties.

Owing to develop the utilization of biowaste materials and minimize the usage of plastic materials, Orange peel Powder (OPP) biowaste is chosen as filler material along with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) as a matrix to form biocomposite films. To stretch its applications to antibacterial applications the metal nanoparticles were incorporated by the in-situ generation of Ag by reducing the various concentration of the aqueous solution of AgNO3 to fabricate novel PVA/OPP/(1 mM to 5 mM)AgNPs hybrid biocomposite films. The fabricated biofilms were undergone the antibacterial test, mechanical test, and characterized by FESEM, FTIR, XRD & thermal analysis. The FESEM images clarify the homogenous distribution of filler materials in the PVA matrix and binding between the filler materials & matrices. FT-IR spectrum illustrates, there is no functional group change in the films by the inclusion of AgNPs as compare to the PVA/OPP films and indicates the strong adhesion and well dispersion of filler materials. XRD patterns confirm the presence of Ag and accentuated the crystallite size of generated AgNPs in the films as 23.44 nm, 25.59 nm, 26.25 nm, 28.17 nm, and 28.42 nm. Thermal analysis of the films shows improved thermal stability as well as glass transition temperature of the composite films included with AgNPs, also the considerable increase in the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the PVA/OPP/AgNPs films as compared to the neat PVA, PVA/OPP films. As compare to neat PVA and PVA/OPP films, with the increase of concentration of AgNO3 source solution antibacterial activity of the PVA/OPP/AgNPs films increases against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. With the above-improved results by the inclusion of Ag nanoparticles, this hybrid biocomposite films can be utilized in food processing industries

This paper explores opportunities to know about the optimal setting and influencing parameters of Indoor Air Quality characteristics (IAQ) of the air-conditioned car by response surface methodology (RSM). The trials were designed by the design of experiments and performed to cram the result of input parameters i.e human load, fresh air supply, and air velocity, on the Indoor Air Quality parameters i.e Temperature, Relative humidity, Oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the car air-conditioned space. This work traveled around on finding the mathematical model to show a relationship and interactions of IAQ parameters. Also, this work focused on finding the optimum setting controlling parameters by RSM. It recommend that car AC setting position of fresh air supply knob, and Air velocity (blower speed knob) for different human loads. This study be evidence for that the Response Surface methodology (RSM) techniques were suitable for optimizing the IAQ parameters with the minimum number of trials.

Pure copper its composites reinforced with Rice Husk Ash (RHA) particles prepared by Friction Stir Processing (FSP) technique. Copper Matrix Surface Composites (CMSCs) is to enrich the metallurgical and mechanical properties. Pure copper used as matrix material and ceramics particles RHA used as reinforcement. CMSCs were fabricated a set of process parameters such as rotational speed 1000 rpm, transverse speed 40 mm/min and an axial force 10 kN with a single pass. CMSCs are presently characterized using Optical Microscope (OM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Vickers hardness tester, and wear behavior conduct by pin-on-disk apparatus. High abrasive wear loss of pure copper because of its softness material. CMSCs of micrograph revealed the enhanced fine bonding in the stir zone (SZ) with a uniform dispersion of ceramic particles. The addition (0, 6, 12, 18 vol%) of RHA particles to copper prompts an expressive improvement in its hardness and wear resistance.

The physicochemical, thermal, and surface morphological properties of the Sida mysorensis fiber (SMF) were investigated first time in this article. From the chemical compositional analysis, higher ...

This investigation is aimed to analyze the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the physical, chemical, structural, thermal and surface topography of Phaseolus vulgaris fibers (PVFs). The...

This investigation aimed at finding the effect of weight fraction (10 wt.%, 20 wt.% and 30 wt.%) and fiber orientation (0°, 45° and 90°) on mechanical properties (Tensile, Flexural and Impact) of C...

The present work is planned to investigate the fundamental properties of the novel plant fiber extracted from the bark of Acacia nilotica L. tree. The various chemical compositions of the Acacia ni...

There is growing interest in recent times to develop biodegradable films with improved properties. They are potential substitutes for existing petroleum-based synthetic polymers. Eco-friendly biofi...

Environmental concerns are raised due to municipal solid wastes especially due to non-biodegradable packaging waste materials. To overcome such issues, researchers gained attention in biodegradable...

Friction stir processing (FSP) is developed for the usage aluminum alloys and it is metal processing method that can provide grain structure of microstructures. Due to the frictional processing heat and stir processing the microstructure of the foundation metal is changed. The Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) and Aluminium Nitride (AlN) are used as reinforcement with the base metal Al2024 by using friction stir processing. Hardness, corrosion resistance, micro structure formation wear resistance and durability of Al2024 have been increased in this friction stir processing by reducing the defects due to the melting of the metal. It is an excellent material processing technology, and there is a high possibility for the preparation of super plastic materials and metal matrix composites. This work is mainly to improve the mechanical properties of Al2024 while it is reinforced by Si3N4 and AlN. Thus the results from this investigation is explained and discussed.

FSW parameters to fabricate the dissimilar materials of Brass-Copper joints without any defects. It evaluated by microstructural characteristics, mechanical behaviour of the welded joints. In this process tool cylindrical shoulder produced frictional heat among tool shoulder and base materials. Commercially size of plates 100 × 50 × 6 mm Br and Cu were welded by machine parameters of rotational speed 1200 rpm travel speed of 50 mm/min and an axial force of 8 kN without any tilt. The made-up of FSW specimens characterized microstructures by Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Observed microhardness by Vickers hardness tester. The observed stir zone area properly joined in dissimilar metals without any defects and enhanced the microhardness value.

The automobile industry plays a vital role in the Indian Economy because of huge investment, Employment opportunity, People & Government interest in sophisticated and environment free travel of people. Next to vehicle performance, Aesthetic aspect and Ergonomic design playing a vital role in vehicle manufacturing. The vehicle bodybuilding sector can satisfy those needs in the automobile industry. The study is done on the Karur bus body building industry. Karur is one of South India’s largest bus body building hubs, providing a strong client base in the southern coast region. The Bus body building industry has been an icon of karur district, which has worked to grant survival support to the people and played a significant role in their financial sustain. The bus body manufacturing industry in the Karur city has taken a stand to changing demographics since its rise in the 1980s, even though market growth of fully-built buses (FBB) fabricated by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) has created a cautious circumstance among the coach builders. The buses built by OEM are the significant threat to the stability of Bus body coach builders. The intention of this paper is to evaluate the Karur bus body building industry and to create research evidence in the parameters of Infrastructure facility, Productivity & Quality practice, Quality certification & implementation.

To overcome the environmental regulations adopted across the globe in polymer composites, a natural fiber extracted from the waste stem of Elettaria cardamomum plant (ECF) was investigated ...

The exploration of polymer electrolyte in the field of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) can contribute to increase the invention of renewable energy applications. In the present work, the influence of imidazole on the poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)–poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)–Ethylene carbonate (EC)–KI–I2 polymer blend electrolytes has been evaluated. The different weight percentages of imidazole added into polymer blend electrolytes have been prepared by solution casting. The prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV–visible spectra, photoluminescence spectra and impedance spectroscopy. The surface roughness texture of the film was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The ionic conductivity of the optimized polymer blend electrolyte was determined by impedance measurement, which is 1.95 × 10−3 S·cm−1 at room temperature. The polymer electrolyte containing 40 wt% of imidazole content exhibits the highest photo-conversion efficiency of 3.04% under the illumination of 100 mW·cm−2. Moreover, a considerable enhancement in the stability of the DSSC device was demonstrated.

This present investigation is aimed at understanding the impact of various chemical treatments on the physicochemical properties of Luffa cylindrica fibers (LCFs). One of the major disadvantages of...

In this work, graphene was used as a filler for banyan aerial root fibers reinforced epoxy composites at various compositions. The synergetic effect of graphene and banyan fibers, on the physical a...

Natural fibers are emerging as best alternatives for synthetic materials in selective applications. These fibers may not have the required properties in its raw form and hence needs some alterations in its characteristics. Likely, this article reports enhancement in surface and structural properties of Thespesia populnea bark fiber treated with NaOH under various concentration and soaking period. Fibers treated with 5% NaOH for 60 min yields noteworthy mechanical strength (678.41 ± 48.91 MPa) owing to its relatively high cellulose fraction (76.42%). Fourier transform infrared spectra endorses the removal of non-cellulosic compounds and X-ray diffraction studies reveals 13.6% growth in the size of cellulose crystals on optimally treated fibers. Weibull distribution model statistically interprets the reliability of acquired tensile test results. Finally, microscopic examinations with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy explore that fiber surface turns rough after alkali treatment and makes it appropriate for reinforcement in polymer matrices.

This study focuses on enhancing the free vibration characteristics of epoxy polymers by reinforcing it with Phoenix sp. fibers and nano-clay for the first time. The composites were prepared by vary...

This study was aimed at understanding the characteristics of Celosia argentea fiber (CAF) and its physicochemical properties. The physicochemical properties of CAF were analyzed by FT-IR, XRD, TGA,...

In the present study, γ-ray-irradiated and un-irradiated PVA/PPy/KI/I2 conducting polymer electrolytes have been prepared for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The conducting polymer electrolyte was prepared by solution cast technique. The degree of crystallinity of both the γ-ray-irradiated and un-irradiated samples has been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the studies show that γ-ray irradiation increases the amorphous nature. The band gap energy, Urbach’s energy, and no. of carbon in a cluster were determined from the UV–visible spectra. An electrical conductivity of all the samples has been analyzed by four-probe method, and it shows an increase in the electrical conductivity of γ-ray-irradiated samples. The EIS measurement revealed that the γ-ray-irradiated electrolyte possessed excellent electro-catalytic activity and low Rct1 at the CE/electrolyte interface. A significant improvement in the photo-conversion efficiency of γ-ray-irradiated polymer electrolyte in DSSC by 4.53% was also observed. This proves to be better and efficient DSSCs for building window glass system. Moreover, the stability tests indicated that ~ 80% of the initial efficiency was persistent after the long-term stability of 450 h.

Cellulose, a major proportion of all plant resources are not utilized at its best. Hence, this investigation explores the potential of cellulose fraction in bark fibers of Thespesia populnea for real time use by evaluating its anatomical, physicochemical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. Anatomical studies confirm two types of phloem fiber cells based on dimensions of secondary cell wall and lumen. Significant concentration of cellulose (70.12%) helps to attain favorable outcomes in tensile strength (557.82 ± 56.29 MPa). FTIR spectra confirm the presence of cellulosic compound in fiber structure and the size of crystalline cellulose is estimated as 35.76 A using XRD results. Thermal profile of TGA and DSC validates that fiber is steady up to 245.4 °C and cellulose degradation befalling between 250 °C and 370 °C accounts for major weight loss in fiber. Images acquired through SEM and AFM depict that the fiber surface is smooth with average roughness of 3.002 nm.

A poly (vinyl alcohol) PVA/Eriochrome Black-T (EBT) dye, and PVA/Eosin-Y (EY) dye composite film was prepared using a solution casting process. The dye-doped composite polymer films were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy. An optical band gap (Eg) of pure PVA reduced from 4.22 eV to 2.80 eV for PVA/EBT film and 2.14 eV for PVA/EY film respectively. This result indicates the occurrence of inter-molecular hydrogen bonding between the –OH functional group in PVA chains and sulfonate (EBT) and carboxyl group (EY) in dye molecules, respectively. Moreover, the experimental result of PVA/EBT and PVA/EY composite film showed the excellent properties of a large scale cut-off filter in the ultraviolet and visible range region.

In this work, the effects of alkali treatment on the chemical composition and thermal decomposition of Acacia planifrons fibers were investigated. The fibers originating from the bark of an Acacia planifrons tree were alkali treated with various concentrations (2% and 5% w/v) for 30 min. The treatment was found to diminish the amorphous contents, improve the crystallinity index and thermal stability of the fiber. The crystallinity index of the untreated, 2% alkali-treated and 5% alkali-treated fibers was estimated to be 65.38%, 69.94% and 74.76%, respectively. The thermal stability of the alkali-treated fiber was quite higher than that of the untreated fiber. The results revealed that 5% alkali-treated Acacia planifrons fibers are suitable to be used as reinforcement in polymer composites.

The effect of polypyrrole (PPy) on the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-potassium iodide (KI)-iodine (I2) polymer electrolytes has been investigated and optimized to use in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The different weight ratios of PVA: PPy (93: 2, 91: 4, 89: 6, 87: 8, and 85: 10 wt%) polymer electrolytes (PE) were prepared by solution casting. Structural, complex formation and surface roughness of the prepared electrolytes was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) respectively. Conductivity plots of all polymer films showed increasing trend with temperature and concentration of PPy. The activation energy of the optimized system found to be 0.871 kJ mol−1. UV-visible spectrum was adopted to characterize the absorption spectra of the material revealed that increase in the absorbance with increasing PPy content and shifting the absorbance maximum towards lower energy. The indirect band gap decreased from 3.78 to 2.14 eV and direct band gap decreased from 3.88 to 2.71 eV. The EIS analyses revealed the lower charge transfer resistance of 3.029 Ω cm2 at the interface between CE and PE. The excellent performance was observed in the fabricated DSSCs using PVA (85%)/PPy (10%)/KI (5%)/I2 polymer electrolyte with a short-circuit current density of 11.071 mA cm−2, open-circuit voltage of 0.644 V, fill factor of 0.575, and photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 4.09% under the light intensity of 100 mW cm−2. Hence, the PPy content in polymer electrolyte influences the remarkable performance of low-cost DSSC.

This study aims to examine the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the physico-chemical properties, structure, thermal, tensile and surface topography of Carica papaya fibers (CPFs). The...

Areva javanica (AJ), a natural cotton flowers fiber of Amaranthaceae family was taken up for the study of its possible utilization in a friction composite. The chemical composition of Areva javanica fiber (AJF) such as cellulose, lignin, ash, moisture, wax content, and density was evaluated. In addition to these, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) tests were performed. The surface roughness of AJ fiber was estimated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the statistical analysis using Weibull distribution was carried out to identify the diameter of AJ fiber. TGA studies revealed its moderate thermal resistance upto 219℃, and a density of 1.4005 g/cc was estimated of AJF. An attempt was made to make use of the AJF as a potential reinforcement material for acrylic fibers in an organic disc brake pad formulation. Upon fibrization, AJ fibrillates and forms a dense structure, a vital property required for the production of a brake pad. The role of AJ fiber in brake pad was studied by investigating the behavior of fibers from the mixing stage to the cured brake pad. Results revealed that the developed brake pad had a density of 2.01 g/cc, hardness HRS 91, Loss on ignition 21.68%, and cold and hot shear strengths of 44 and 27 kg/cm2, respectively. These values were very close to that of an Acrylic fiber based brake pad. The wear test using Friction Assessment and Screening test (FAST) gave the wear percentage of 0.0187 in3/Hp-h which was found to be 16% higher than AJF (0.0159 in3/Hp-hr) based brake pad.

Characterization of new natural fibres from various parts of plants have become increasingly popular not only in textile industries, automotive sector, electrical applications, and construc...

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NRPCs) are replacing many synthetic fibers because of their cheap availability and their hygienic, ecological, biodegradable, and sustainable pr...

Natural fibers are the one worthy substitute for replacing synthetic fibers and used as a polymer reinforcement due to their eco-friendly nature. This investigation deals with the newly identified Sida cordifolia fibers (SCFs) characterized by chemical analysis, single fiber tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The chemical constituents of SCFs contains cellulose (69.52%), hemicellulose (17.63%), and lignin (18.02. %). The SCFs are thermally stable up to a temperature of 338.2°C evidenced by TGA analysis. The X-ray diffraction confirmed that SCFs were rich in cellulose fraction with a crystallinity index of 56.92%.

Owing to their low weight-to-high strength ratio and recyclable features, the natural fibers are the most potential choice in place of synthetic fibers and been used as reinforcement materials in polymer matrix composites. Characterization of Ceiba pentandra bark fibers (CPFs) such chemical analysis, Fourier Transform-Infrared Analysis (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and Differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) analysis has analyzed. CPFs contain 60.9% (w/w) of cellulose, 17.5% (w/w) of hemicellulose, and 23.5% (w/w) of lignin. Besides, its density and crystallinity index are 682 kg m−3 and 57.94%, respectively. TG and DTG analysis discovered that CPFs are thermally stable up to 342.1°C. Further, all the resources of CPFs ensured that it can be an excellent alternative for synthetic fibers in polymer matrix composites.

The natural fiber Epipremnum aureum was extracted from its plant. E. aureum fibers (EAFs) were investigated by chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, ...

The poor wear performance of copper is improved by reinforcing hard ceramic particles. The present work reports the fabrication of Cu/TiB2 (0, 6, 12, 18 vol.%) copper matrix composites (CMCs) using friction stir processing (FSP). TiB2 particles were initially packed together into a machined groove and were subjected to FSP under a constant set of process parameters. The microstructure was observed using optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The wear behavior was examined using a pin-on-disc apparatus. The micrographs showed a homogeneous distribution of TiB2 particles without aggregation and segregation. The distribution of TiB2 particles was closely persistent across the stir zone. TiB2 particles were well bonded with the copper matrix without any interfacial reaction. Many TiB2 particles fractured during FSP. The grains in the composite were extensively refined because of dynamic recrystallization and pinning effect of TiB2 particles. The wear behavior under dry sliding condition was presented in detail.

Natural fibers are one of effective substitute for switching artificial fiber and concentrating to reinforce polymer matrixes due to their decomposable character. This study was implied to ...

The increasing environmental awareness has directed attention of the researchers towards the field of natural fiber composites. The aim of this investigation is to understand the physico-chemical properties of fibers extracted from the bark of the Dichrostachys Cinerea (DC) plant. Dichrostachys Cinerea fibers (DCFs) has cellulose (72.4 wt. %), hemicellulose (13.08 wt. %), lignin (16.89 wt. %), density (1240 kg/m3), crystallinity index (57.82%), and tensile strength (873 ± 14 MPa). Besides the cellulose degradation of DCFs at 359.3° vide by the thermo-gravimetric analysis and chemical groups are identified by Fourier transform analysis. Eventually the characterization results of DCFs strongly show the possibility of reinforcement in polymer matrices.

Physical, chemical, thermal and crystalline properties of new natural fiber extracted from the root of Ficus Religiosa tree(FRRF) are reported in this study. The chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis results ensured the presence of higher quantity of cellulose content (55.58 wt%) in the FRRF. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis is transported away to support the chemical groups present in the considered fibre. Thermal stability (325 °C), maximum degradation temperature (400 °C) and kinetic activation energy (68.02 kJ/mol.) of the FRRF areestablished by the thermo gravimetric analysis. The diameter (25.62 μm) and density (1246 kg/m3) of the FRRF have been found by the physical analysis. Scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM) and Atomic force microscope analysis (AFM) outcomes revealed that FRRF has the relatively smoothest surface. Altogether the above outcomes proved that novel FRRF is the desirable reinforcement to fabricate the fiber reinforced composite materials.

The objective of this investigation is to check the suitability novel cellulosic fibre extracted from the aerial roots of Banyan tree (ARBFs) as reinforcement in fibre reinforced plastics. The Fundamental properties of ARBFs such as density, tensile strength, chemical composition, crystallinity index, crystalline size, thermal stability, maximum degradation temperature and surface roughness were studied. The chemical analysis results revealed that after the alkalization cellulose content was improved while hemi-cellulose, lignin and wax content were demised. The enhancement in the crystallinity index (76.35% from 72.47%) and crystalline size (7.74 nm from 6.28 nm) of alkali treated ARBFs were evidenced by the X-ray diffraction analysis. Thermal analysis results confirmed that maximum degradation temperature (368 °C) and kinetic activation energy (75.45 kJ/mol) of alkali treated ARBFs had increased from 358 °C and 72.65 kJ/mol respectively. The results of scanning electron microscopic and atomic force microscopic analysis exhibited that impurities and wax on the outer surface of the ARBFs were removed after the alkali treatment. All the above finding concluded that ARBFs is the appropriate material to use as a reinforcement in fibre reinforced plastics.

This investigation summarizes the characteristics of biofiber extracted from the Perotis indica plant. Cellulose content (68.4 wt%), density (785 kg m−3), crystallinity index (48.3%), tensile strength (317–1,608 MPa), and Young’s modulus (8.41–69.61 GPa) properties were identified in the P. indica fibers (PIFs), and thermal stability was studied using thermal gravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetric analysis, which revealed its cellulose degradation at a temperature of 339.1°C. Further, the properties of PIFs ensured that it can play an imperative role as new reinforcement as green composites in the manufacturing industries.

The characterization of new natural fiber is increasing due to its excellent properties. This drives investigators to create high performance composites. The present investigation was designed to study the physicochemical properties of fibers obtained from the leaf of the Artistida hystrix. The Artistida hystrix fibers (AHFs) had crystallinity index (44.85%), cellulose (59.54 wt%), hemicellulose (11.35 wt%), lignin (8.42 wt%), and density (540 kg m−3). The tensile strength of AHFs was 440 ± 13.4 MPa with an average strain rate of 1.57 ± 0.04%. The calculated microfibril angle of AHFs was 12.64 ± 0.45°, which influenced the mechanical properties.

In this work, the influence of fiber content and alkali treatment on the mechanical and thermal properties of Acacia leucophloea fiber-reinforced epoxy composites was studied. Ten composite samples were fabricated by varying fiber content (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%); both untreated and treated fiber were soaked in a 5% NaOH solution for 45 min by using hand-layup method. The composite reinforced with 20 wt% treated fiber content exhibited better mechanical properties and thermal properties. Fourier transform infrared analysis, morphological analysis by atomic force microscope, and scanning electron microscope of composites were also performed.

With the growing environmental consciousness toward carbon emissions, natural fibers are the best alternative and act as a substitute for synthetic fibers due to their potential properties. New cellulosic fibers were identified from Acacia arabica bark. This study aimed at understanding the characteristics of Acacia arabica fibers (AAFs) extracted from the bark of the A. arabica, and its physicochemical properties were examined by thermal stability analyses, X-ray diffraction, chemical constitutions, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Cellulose content (68.1 wt%), density (1028 kg m−3), and crystallinity index (51.72%) properties were identified.

The aim of this present investigation was to identify a new natural fiber from one of the cotton plant’s byproducts, which is chemically modified by alkaline treatment. Its characteristics were examined for the preparation of natural fiber–reinforced polymer composites. The cotton shell fibers (CSFs) were extracted from the cotton shell and its degree of crystallinity, crystallite size, chemical constituents group, and thermal stability were determined by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The alkali treatment of CSFs is optimized at 5% (w/v) NaOH aqueous solution with 45 min soaking time.

Identification of new natural fibers is growing due to their superior properties and the impetus for researchers to develop high-performance composites. This investigation was aimed at understanding the physico-chemical properties of Acacia planifrons fibers (APFs). The crystalline structure of APFs was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, and the crystallinity index (65.38%) was calculated. The chemical functional group of APFs was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, the thermal stability measured by thermogravimetric analysis, and surface characterization established by atomic force microscopy. Taken together, all the properties of APFs can play a vital role in establishing APFs as new reinforcement in polymer composites.

Cellulose is the key constituent of natural fibers and its proportion significantly varies with the growth of the plant. Hence, a study on the influence of plant maturity on fiber properties is essential to recognize optimal fiber source. In this investigation, cellulose fibers were successfully extracted from Thespesia populnea tree barks of approximately 10 mm-80 mm diameter stem and the influence of stem growth on physiochemical, thermal, mechanical and morphological characteristics of the fiber were investigated. The diameter of fiber increased from 150 μm to 200 μm with stem growth meanwhile its water uptake capability decreases by 13.8%. FTIR spectra and thermal analysis confirm the presence of cellulose compound in fiber structure, also the fiber can be stable up to 318 °C. The XRD outcome estimates 44-49% crystallinity index with an average crystallite size of 29.625 A. Under the tensile load, fiber fails primarily by brittle fracture and its tensile strength ranges from 559 MPa to 329 MPa with an average elongation between 2.9% and 1.7%. Morphology analysis illustrates that fiber surface is becoming rough on maturity and can offer good interfacial strength when reinforced with composites.

Natural fibers play a vital role in the field of composites mainly due to their environmental friendliness, the nature of their disposal, and low energy requirement for processing. Recently, research ideas have focused on exploration of promising natural fibers with superior mechanical properties. Sida rhombifolia is one such perennial shrub from which high stiffness natural fibers can be extracted. The physico-chemical properties of Sida rhombifolia fibers (SRFs), crystallinity index (56.6%), higher cellulose (75.09 wt.%) content, and lower density (1320.7 kg/m3) were revealed and compared to those properties of other natural fibers.

Natural fibers are being used as reinforcing materials for polymer composites due to their eco-friendly properties. Areca fruit husk fiber (AFHF) is one such fiber; it is currently discarded waste from the tobacco industry, but has huge potential. It is light in weight with a perforated surface that enables good bonding with a polymer matrix. In this study, comprehensive characterization of physical, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and microstructural properties was carried out on the fiber and the composite made with that fiber to optimize the fiber content. The optimum fiber content is found to be 40 wt.%, whereas beyond that, fiber pull-out and debonding reduces the load-bearing capacity of the composite. The specific properties of AFHF polymer composite are even higher than that of the popular E-glass fiber composite, which positions AFHF composite as an alternative structural material.